After a quick glance in Madge’s direction, Robert reached out and took Miss Harrington’s hand in his. “At least you didn’t marry him.”
“I had no intention of doing that.” She hesitated. “What will happen to him now?”
“It is up to the local justice of the peace. I’ll present him with the evidence we have and leave it up to him.”
“Will he be brought to trial?”
“I’m not sure. As Thomas said, all these things are difficult to prove, especially when both of the main witnesses are dead.”
“Then he might get away with murder?”
“Yes.” He squeezed her fingers. “I can use my influence to make sure he is persona non grata in society. I have already suggested that if he survives an investigation, it would be in his best interests to leave England.”
“I hope he takes your advice.”
“I don’t think he will have any other option. I will also make sure that young Robin and the estate are protected from Mr. Fairfax. The solicitor I met at Kurland St. Mary is due to arrive here tomorrow.”
“When will we be able to leave Fairfax Park?”
He brought her fingers to his lips and kissed them. “Within a week, I think, although you could leave earlier, if you so desire.”
“I’d rather stay and see it through to the end,” she said resolutely.
“That’s exactly what I would expect you to say.” He cleared his throat. “I will be speaking to your father when we return.”
“As to that . . .” She searched his face. “You do not have to marry me, you know.”
He held her suddenly shy gaze. “I want to marry you. Will you have me?”
“Yes, I will.”
He smiled at her and stood up. “Then everything is settled. I might not be the most even-tempered man in your life, but I swear no one will love and protect you better.”
She brought her hand to her flushed cheek and simply stared at him. Satisfied that he had for once confounded her into silence, Robert winked and made his way out of the bedchamber. His smile faded as he contemplated what lay ahead for Thomas Fairfax, but he would not let the other man’s mistakes destroy his current sense of happiness.
Happy.
Robert stopped in the corridor and considered that foreign emotion before whistling and going down the stairs to deal with the demoralized staff. Every man made his choices in life, and for once he was content with his. Thomas Fairfax had overreached himself and, in Robert’s opinion, deserved to lose everything—especially Miss Lucy Harrington.
KENSINGTON BOOKS are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2015 by Catherine Lloyd
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
Library of Congress Card Catalogue Number: 2015944281
Kensington and the K logo Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off.
ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-8737-3
ISBN-10: 0-7582-8737-2
First Kensington Hardcover Edition: December 2015
ISBN: 978-0-7582-8737-3
Kensington Electronic Edition: December 2015
Death Comes to Kurland Hall Page 27